More Chinese stuff

RSWORD · 18th September 2008, 10:24 PM

These shuangniuweidao are most probably of the late 19th century and maybe up until the turn of the century. The one picture seems to highlight a wide and interesting "hamon" from the heat treatment so they were probably made for use. I agree that they would not have been carried by the general civilian in use in the Boxer Rebellion but it is unknown whom may have carried this type of sword. Given the skill level needed to wield two swords at the same time it was likely a trained martial artist that may have been employed for security detail or something along those lines. The art of surprise would have been helpful with these swords. Imagine a group of thugs harrassing a caravan of merchandise and the "security" comes along and they think he only has one sword and whips it into two swords. Would have made an impressive site and probably a good deterant in such a situation.

Gavin Nugent · 19th September 2008, 09:44 AM

My thoughts were also with a trained martial artist of the time, much like the ones in the images below or often seen in Hollywood movies were one defends his "house" and or "legacy of a superior style" etc, tests were frequent between people, though I too think seeing one sword turn into two would end most conflicts without a drop of sweat being exerted.
These are seriously dangerous weapons in the right hands and are of a very high quality, great harmons and triple fullers both sides that have been very well executed. The blades are about inch longer than the other sabre I have presented before and wider towards the tip that can be clearly seen in the images. When I actually slip the lanyards over my wrists and start swinging these around I do almost feel bullet proof.

Gav

Chris Evans · 21st September 2008, 01:05 AM

Gavin,

Congratulations. Seem like an excellent buy!

If only those swords could talk of their adventures... Any nicks or chips on the edges, or any other signs of their having been used?

Cheers
Chris

Gavin Nugent · 27th September 2008, 10:09 AM

Hi Chris,

No signs of edge on edge contact but it is my belief that this shouldn't happen at all in one on one contacts, more the flat or spine should be used. There is one very small forging flaw near the end of the fullers that has been lovingly repaired and a general all over wear that is consistant with day to day handling.
Again, a real treat to play with.

Gav

Chris Evans · 27th September 2008, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freebooter

Hi Chris,

No signs of edge on edge contact but it is my belief that this shouldn't happen at all in one on one contacts, more the flat or spine should be used..

Gav

Hi Gavin,

Ah.... If only things in life went according to our plans....

All the same I envy your magnificent swords. These don''t come up for sale all that often.

Cheers
Chris

Andrew · 27th September 2008, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freebooter

Hi Chris,

No signs of edge on edge contact but it is my belief that this shouldn't happen at all in one on one contacts, more the flat or spine should be used.

Oh, boy. That's quite a Pandora's Box you're opening there, Gav. On certain boards, those are fighting words...

Gavin Nugent · 28th September 2008, 12:00 AM

Hehe, I am a jester and I am always willing to push the boundries Andrew, have a look in side, let's see what happens if I move the lid a little I do love to play.

Now I could understand nics and chips in the melee associated with large numbers coming face to face with large numbers or cavalry swords beating down on infantry....is there anything coming out of the.... box....

Gav

Chris Evans · 28th September 2008, 05:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freebooter

Hehe, I am a jester and I am always willing to push the boundries Andrew, have a look in side, let's see what happens if I move the lid a little I do love to play.

Now I could understand nics and chips in the melee associated with large numbers coming face to face with large numbers or cavalry swords beating down on infantry....is there anything coming out of the.... box....

Gav

Hi Gavin,

This is old territory - I know exactly what's in that can, but I made myself a promise not to ever get involved in another theoretical discussion of fencing on a forum.

However.....

How are the blades sharpened? If you divide the blade into three sections, how would you describe the angle of the edge? Like very sharp all the way from the hilt to point or blunt for the first third becoming increasingly sharper towards the point?

Cheers
Chris

19th September 2008, 09:44 AM	#2
Gavin Nugent Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2,818	Thanks for coming in Rick. My thoughts were also with a trained martial artist of the time, much like the ones in the images below or often seen in Hollywood movies were one defends his "house" and or "legacy of a superior style" etc, tests were frequent between people, though I too think seeing one sword turn into two would end most conflicts without a drop of sweat being exerted. These are seriously dangerous weapons in the right hands and are of a very high quality, great harmons and triple fullers both sides that have been very well executed. The blades are about inch longer than the other sabre I have presented before and wider towards the tip that can be clearly seen in the images. When I actually slip the lanyards over my wrists and start swinging these around I do almost feel bullet proof. Gav Attached Images

27th September 2008, 10:09 AM	#4
Gavin Nugent Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2,818	Hi Chris Hi Chris, No signs of edge on edge contact but it is my belief that this shouldn't happen at all in one on one contacts, more the flat or spine should be used. There is one very small forging flaw near the end of the fullers that has been lovingly repaired and a general all over wear that is consistant with day to day handling. Again, a real treat to play with. Gav

28th September 2008, 12:00 AM	#7
Gavin Nugent Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2,818	Pandora's box Hehe, I am a jester and I am always willing to push the boundries Andrew, have a look in side, let's see what happens if I move the lid a little I do love to play. Now I could understand nics and chips in the melee associated with large numbers coming face to face with large numbers or cavalry swords beating down on infantry....is there anything coming out of the.... box.... Gav Last edited by freebooter; 28th September 2008 at 12:13 AM.

18th September 2008, 10:24 PM	#1
RSWORD Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 1,087	These shuangniuweidao are most probably of the late 19th century and maybe up until the turn of the century. The one picture seems to highlight a wide and interesting "hamon" from the heat treatment so they were probably made for use. I agree that they would not have been carried by the general civilian in use in the Boxer Rebellion but it is unknown whom may have carried this type of sword. Given the skill level needed to wield two swords at the same time it was likely a trained martial artist that may have been employed for security detail or something along those lines. The art of surprise would have been helpful with these swords. Imagine a group of thugs harrassing a caravan of merchandise and the "security" comes along and they think he only has one sword and whips it into two swords. Would have made an impressive site and probably a good deterant in such a situation.

21st September 2008, 01:05 AM	#3
Chris Evans Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Australia Posts: 685	Gavin, Congratulations. Seem like an excellent buy! If only those swords could talk of their adventures... Any nicks or chips on the edges, or any other signs of their having been used? Cheers Chris